Women's courage in Second World War commemorated

The Queen has unveiled a sculpture in central London commemorating the courage and resilience of British women who served their country during the Second World War.

The bronze monument was dedicated to those "so capable in so many unexpected ways" by Baroness Boothroyd, patron of the Women of World War II trust.

Located in Whitehall, central London, close to The Cenotaph, the sculpture features 17 items of clothing depicting the various roles carried out by women during the war.

Baroness Boothroyd told the Queen and guests at the unveiling ceremony: "This monument is dedicated to all the women who served our country and to the cause of freedom, in uniform and on the home front."

She added: "I hope that future generations who pass this way will ask themselves: 'what sort of women were they?' and look at our history for the answer."

The unveiling of the statue was part of the events celebrating the 60th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.

Amongst the invited guests were many women war veterans, some in uniform and others wearing summer hats with medals pinned to their dresses.

Also attending were Second World War forces sweetheart Dame Vera Lynn, Baroness Thatcher and Defence Secretary John Reid.

The continuing contribution of women in the forces was demonstrated by a booming fly-past of five military helicopters - Apache, Sea King, Lynx, Chinook and Merlin - all flown by female pilots from the three services.

Later, two Tornado F3 jets roared overhead, also with women at the controls.

Sculptor John Mills was inspired after seeing a 1940s photograph of a cloakroom at a dance hall.

Mr Mills, 72, from London and president of the Royal Society of Sculptors, said: "The picture just sparked an idea in my mind which I couldn't get away from.

"I was interested in the concept of these women hanging up their uniforms and going back to their normal lives after the end of the war."